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Evening Star, Volume III, Issue 780, 4 November 1865, Page 2

A Suggestive Question.—Douglas Jerrold discussing one day with Mr Planche the vexed question of adapting dramatic pieces from the French, that gentleman insisted upon claiming some of his characters as strictly original creations. "Do you know my Baroness in ' Ask no Questions?'" said Mr I*. "Yes; indeed I don't think I ever saw a piece of yours without being struck with your barreiiness," was the retort.

A Curious Agreement.—A case of assault has been heard before a London magistrate, ■which was of no interest, but for a singular document which turned up in the course of the proceedings. A woman had occasion to go to the house of Mr Taylor on business, where she was roughly received—in fact, was slapped in the face —by Georgiana Freeman, a person who, it came out, lived with Mr Taylor as his wife. Mrs Freeman produced in court the following extraordinary contract, -which she seemed to think established her status as mistress of the house and her right, consequently, to turn out anybody she pleased :—"T, Thomas David Taylor, and Georgiana Freeman, do mutually agree to marry each other within two months of the death of the present wife of the said Thomas Danid Taylor ; and the said Thomas David Taylor further agrees that during the lifetime of the said Georgiana Freeman he will never marry, or promise to marry, or form any improper connection with any other woman, but will be a true and faithful husband to the said Georgiana Freeman, and she agrees to act in the aforesaid manner, promising to be a good and faithful wife to the said Thomas David Taylor, and the said Thomas David Taylor dcth hereby declare on his honor as a man, that while the said Georgiana Freeman remains a true and faithful wife to him he will never desert her, but will always treat her as his wife. Given under our hand, this 27th day of January, 1854. —Thomas David Taylor, Georgiana Freeman." The magistrate said the contract in question had nothing to do with the charge, and fined Mrs freeman £2 10s, which she paid.— Surrey Comet.

American Statesmen.—Daniel Webster-was the son of a New Hampshire farmer in very moderate circumstances. Henry Clay, of a poor backwoods preacher. Martin Van Buren waa too poor in youth to obtain a tolerable education ; and it had been said of him in reproach, that he sold cabbages around the village of Kinderkook. Andrew Jackson was an orphan at an early age, and- was left penniless, with nothing but his own efforts to aid him. Governor Vance, of Ohio, had been a plain farmer through life, and entered that state as a pioneer, with an axe on his shoulder and very little in his pocket. Joseph liitner, former Governor of Pennsylvania, served his time with a farmer as a regular bound apprentfce, after which time he for several years drove a -waggon from Philadelphia to Pits burg, American JEditors.—A contemporary of ours, who fancies himself beset by enemies, says that he is deteririned to sell his life as dearly as possible. We really think that, if he gets sixpence for it, he will die a swindler.— American Pajier.